Washington solar panels: The complete guide in 2025
Data updated May 20, 2025
Looking to go solar in Washington? On average, you'll need to install a 12.93 kW solar panel system to cover your electric bill—which costs about $23,619 after the federal tax credit.
Cost for an average system in Washington
| Out of pocket cost, cash | $33,741 |
| Federal tax credit (30%) | - $10,122 |
| Price post tax credit | $23,619 |
| 25-year savings | Payback period | Electricity offset |
|---|---|---|
| $23,232 | 14 Years | 77% |
As long as your federal tax bill is high enough, you can take advantage of the federal investment tax credit (ITC).
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Going solar in Washington
Washington State may not be the sunniest part of the world, but its solid net metering program makes it a great place to go solar.
Factor in the federal solar tax credit, and Washingtonians can cut the cost of solar by thousands of dollars, speeding up your payback period and increasing the value of your investment.
Here's what you should know about going solar in the Evergreen State.
Cost
How much do solar panels cost in Washington?
Solar panels will save you a lot of money over time, but the upfront costs aren't cheap. The average Washington homeowner needs a 12.93 kW solar panel system to cover their electricity needs, which comes out to $33,741 before incentives. Prices range from $28,680 to $38,802, but after the federal tax credit, that drops by 30%.
Over 30,000 Washington homeowners have used EnergySage to receive and compare quotes for solar installations. You can expect to earn back your initial solar investment through electricity savings in about 14.35 years, while most systems last at least 25 years. You'll often see this number referenced as your solar payback period.
Solar panel systems are expensive upfront purchases, but there are a few different financing options to make that initial cost more manageable.
Cash purchase: You pay for your entire system upfront. This provides the best long-term savings.
Solar loan: Enables you to maintain ownership of your system while owing little to no money upfront. When it comes to solar loans, subsidized clean energy loans through local incentive programs are usually your best bet. The next best options include a home equity loan or a personal loan—private solar loans typically come with higher interest rates or upfront fees.
Solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA): A third-party company owns your system and either leases you the solar panels (solar lease) or allows you to purchase the electricity they generate (PPA). In general, these provide the lowest savings and garner the most negative press about solar. If you go this route, remember to read the fine print so you’re not trapped in a contract for longer than you intend.
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Incentives
What are the best solar rebates and incentives in Washington?
Incentives help bring solar's price tag down considerably in Washington. Here are the major ones to know about:
| Incentive | Average savings in Washington | Description |
|---|---|---|
Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit, formerly the federal investment tax credit (ITC) | $10,122 | Lowers your solar panel system's cost by 30% |
Washington solar sales tax exemption | 6.5% of your system’s cost | You don't need to pay any sales tax on new solar panel systems in Washington |
Is net metering available in Washington?
In some states, you'll earn bill credits from your utility company when your solar panel system generates excess electricity and sends it to the grid. This incentive is known as net metering—basically a solar buyback program—and makes it so you will owe very little, or even nothing, on your electric bills with solar panels.
Utility companies in Washington offer solid net metering programs. Under the current version, you can earn the retail rate of electricity on your excess solar generation—unless you’re a Grays Harbor utility customer. Bill credits reset on March 31 of each year, but you won’t lose any remaining credits. Instead, it's credited to your account for later use.
Learn more about net metering in Washington or see program specifics below:
Equipment
Equipment quality
Solar panels continue to get more efficient, meaning they produce more power per square foot. In 2025, the most popular solar panels can produce about 450 watts of electricity in full sunlight—you’ll want panels with at least that much power output to get the most out of your installation.
It’s also important to choose a solar inverter setup that works for your roof’s layout.
And if you plan to install a solar battery, pick one that can easily integrate with that inverter.
While premium equipment can result in sticker shock, it typically saves you more money in the in the long run: The highest-quality panels degrade at a slower rate and maintain more of their power output for longer, and the best warranty terms often guarantee up to 40 years of coverage in case you need repairs or replacements.
Companies
Who are the best solar installers in Washington?
We pre-screen all of the solar companies on EnergySage to ensure they'll provide you with a high-quality installation. We then rate them based on their results, reputation, and responsiveness. Here are the highest-rated EnergySage installers in Washington:
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resources
Top solar resources for Washington
- Washington Solar Loan Providers
Search through our list of top loan providers to finance your solar panel system.
- Washington State Department of Commerce
Learn about WA energy programs from the state government.
- WA Utilities and Transportation Commission
Read more about how utility companies work in WA.
- Washington Electricity Profile (EIA)
Learn about WA energy production and prices.
- WA State Solar Factsheet (SEIA)
See quick stats about how much solar energy has grown in WA.
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